With his team already through to the knock out stages of this season’s Champions League, the Barça coach is keen for his side to maintain their winning habit against the German club.
“We will go out there and look for the win and enjoy a top quality match.” That was how FC Barcelona boss Luis Enrique summed up his team’s approach to Wednesday’s final fixture in Group E of the Champions League againstBayer Leverkusen. Barça are already through as group winner but the Bundesliga side need a victory if they are to have any hope of making it to the last 16. “The situation [in the group] affects our opponents more than us. I have seen teams under pressure sweep away sides but I have also seen teams who cannot take that kind of burden,” said Luis Enrique.
The Barça boss made it clear that he does not expect his side to relax despite already being through to the next phase of the competition. For Luis Enrique that would go against the very nature of his side. “Our team has an identity, a way of playing and I would not expect us to go out there and not be competitive,” added the Asturian.
“My motivation is to pick up three points and play well. Whoever goes through with us will deserve it, regardless of my preferences,” revealed the boss after being asked if wanted to do his former club Roma a favour by beating Leverkusen.
“We have been offered the chance to enjoy a great match, we don’t have to be worried about the result, we have to just play our own game. I consider it a great opportunity,” said the former Barça player.